Stoffa promises respect, efficiency

Northampton County executive, other officials sworn in.

John Stoffa was sworn in as Northampton County executive Monday, acknowledging he had been a long shot to be standing there, and pledging to run a government with "heart and conscience."

"When I made the decision to run for office almost a year ago, I knew it would be an uphill battle," said Stoffa, a Democrat who had never held elected office and surprised many by beating two-term incumbent Glenn Reibman in last year's primary.

"I was convinced, though, that our county government could be dramatically improved and be more responsive to its citizens and taxpayers," Stoffa told about 175 people during a swearing-in ceremony at the county courthouse.

He said his administration would be nonpartisan, treat people with dignity and respect, and continually critique itself "to ensure that we are providing the best services to county residents in the most efficient way possible."

Among those in attendance was Lehigh County Executive-elect Don Cunningham. When Cunningham is sworn in today, the Lehigh Valley will have two Democratic executives for the first time since both counties switched to the home rule charter form of government.

Stoffa, 66, of Allen Township, is a former human services director in Northampton and Lehigh counties.

"I'm grateful to Northampton County voters for their confidence in me and I'm sharply aware of my responsibilities," he said shortly after he was sworn in by President Judge Robert A. Freedberg with his wife, Barbara, and sons, Jeffrey and Gregory, at his side.

The ceremony included music by A Taste of Brass band. Shawnee Middle School student Chelsea Reed led the crowd in the national anthem.

One of Stoffa's first challenges as executive is to negotiate contracts with several employee labor unions that have worked without contracts -- and therefore without pay raises -- since forming in the past three years.

Stoffa's administration also will finish the courthouse and prison expansions, totaling $66 million.

Several other public officials were sworn in during Monday's ceremony, including District Judges Todd Strohe of Bangor, Joseph Barner of Lower Nazareth Township and James Narlesky of Bethlehem.

Incumbent County Council members Wayne Grube and Mary Ensslin were sworn in, as were new members John Cusick, Charles Dertinger and Diane Neiper.

Council held its annual reorganization meeting after the ceremony. Grube was elected president and Councilwoman Ann McHale was elected vice president.

Grube said his goal, with council's help, "is to bring civility and stability in order to bring meaningful legislation to the citizens of Northampton County."

This is Grube's second time as president. He previously held the post from 1998 to 2001.

Council could have two more new members shortly. Members Ensslin and Michael Corriere have been nominated to join Stoffa's Cabinet, Ensslin as court services and special projects director and Corriere as chief public defender.

Grube said council will accept applications for interim members through Jan. 13. He said interested residents should apply to council clerk Frank Flisser, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington St., Easton, Pa. 18042.

Ensslin's seat is an at-large position, meaning it could be filled by any county resident. The seat would be put on the ballot in May.

Corriere holds the District 3 seat, meaning it could be filled by anyone living in Allen, Bethlehem, East Allen, Lower Nazareth and Lower Saucon townships, and Bath, Freemansburg, Nazareth, Northampton and North Catasauqua boroughs.

The person would serve the final two years of Corriere's term.

Council adjourned its brief meeting Monday over the objection of Councilman Ron Angle, who wanted to discuss several things.

Grube told him Monday's meeting was "ceremonial."

Angle after the meeting asked Grube to hold another meeting Jan. 12 so council would have two working meetings this month. Angle said council needs to form committees, hire a solicitor and start talking about the pending open space financing and labor contracts.

Grube said he will talk to other council members and consider the request.